Free movies conclude Nov. 3 with 'Beauty'

Fall Friday Family Movie Series ends Nov. 3 at Wilson Park

‘Beauty and the Beast’ completes run of 16 free films this summer, autumn

The 2017 Fall Friday Family Movie Series will end at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 in Arkansas City with a Disney movie under the Wilson Park rotunda, 701 N. Summit St.

The 2017 live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast,” cosponsored by the Optimists and Soroptimists of Arkansas City, is a new PG-rated adaptation of the classic fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love. It stars Dan Stevens and Emma Watson.

“We are so appreciative of the generous sponsors who make these wonderful events possible,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez. All told, a total of 16 sponsored movies were shown for free in 2017.

“We would like to thank the local Optimist and Soroptimist clubs for stepping up to help us to round out this year’s slate of films,” said Public Information Officer Andrew Lawson.

“The City also would like to express its appreciation to both Ark City Daily Bytes and Rogers Family Dentistry for agreeing to co-sponsor our ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ doubleheader on such short notice, even though there were very few opportunities to advertise their sponsorship beforehand.”

About the Outdoor Friday Family Movie Series

The 2015 Outdoor Summer Movie Series was a huge success in the debut season for the new V.J. Wilkins Memorial Stage at the rotunda, with particularly large crowds viewing “Big Hero 6” and “Frozen.”

The projection equipment, sound system and stage all were made possible by a grant received three years ago from the V.J. Wilkins Memorial Foundation, in order to promote arts throughout the city.

A special fall showing of “Inside Out” drew more than 300 people to the rotunda in November 2015, despite colder temperatures. Plans were launched then for more autumn showings in 2016 and 2017.

Various weather conditions impacted attendance often last spring and summer, but the season’s highlight undoubtedly was in June 2016, when more than 700 people packed Paris Park Pool for a special doubleheader, consisting of “Finding Nemo” and “Jaws,” during a free swim-in night at the pool.

The sequel event, featuring “Finding Dory,” drew more than 500 visitors to the pool on July 21, 2017.

During the last three years, the City of Arkansas City has shown a wide variety of movies, including:

’80s classics — “Back to the Future,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Great Outdoors,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “¡Three Amigos!”

Governmental entities such as the Arkansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Arkansas City Public Library, and City of Arkansas City;

Nonprofit organizations such as the Arkalalah Executive Committee, the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fraternal Order of Police, Newkirk (Oklahoma) Main Street, Newman’s Quest and the Young Professionals of Cowley County.